The Kamrath House in Houston

We had the amazing opportunity to tour this beautiful home on the banks of Buffalo Bayou in the River Oaks subdivision of Houston during DOCOMOMO‘s annual symposium. The house was designed by architect MacKie and Kamrath in 1951.

From the Houston Mod website we found out that Karl Kamrath (1911-1988) designed this house for himself and his familly along the South bank of Buffalo Bayou in the River Oaks subdivision of Houston.

This house, as was the case with many Kamrath designs, is significantly influenced by the work of Frank Lloyd Wright. Kamrath first met Wright in 1949 and maintained a steady correspondence with him. Kamrath acted as host for Wright during Wright`s visits to Houston. Notable aspects include cantilevered terraces, mitered glass windows, integrated and indirect lighting, the use of St. Joe brick masonry in the interior and exterior and the trademark Kamrath 4 foot wide entry door with art glass panels. Houston Mod

Although we have to admit we were a bit dissapointed that the house was not furnished in the modern style, we have to say the eclectic decor does not in any way dwindle the incredible architecture, nor the home’s impressive landscapes. All of the architectural features have been meticulously preserved throughout the home. For more photos of the home’s facade by Ben Hill and interior 1959 shots click here.

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This is a design – build project conducted in partnership between Texas Southmost College Architecture Program and Brownsville Healthy Communities and bc Workshop. A two week design phase was completed by a group of ten (10) students from TSC Architecture Program as one of their Design Studio II service learning projects. A committee of professional […]

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In his free time Brownsville Heritage Officer Roman McAllen, Assoc. AIA, a graduate of the School of Architecture at the University of Texas at Austin, has rehabilitated a pair of dwellings for himself and his wife, Lisa, and also for his mother, Sybil Baytes McAllen, and brother Mark. The recycling of these houses demonstrates the […]